Short summary

The main purpose of this project is to explore the mechanism of development of resistance to the antibody daratumumab in patients with multiple myeloma. The focus will be on several different parts of the immune system, including the complement system, T-cells and extracellular vesicles.

Rationale

Many MM patients initially respond to daratumumab, but eventually most patients progress despite continued treatment with daratumumab. The reason for development of resistance to daratumumab is unknown and considering daratumumab's many modes of action in fact a mystery that calls for further studies. Hypothesis: Failure to respond to daratumumab may be due to inhibition of CDC, inhibition of T-cell mediated cytotoxicity by checkpoint molecules or increased secretion of vesicles expressing CD38, CD55/CD59 or PD-L1

Description of the cohort

Patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma and treated with the antibody Daratumumab at either Vejle Hospital or Odense University Hospital

Data and biological material

Blood and bone marrow are collected from the patients. Clinical data regarding treatment and response are collected from the medical records.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Department of Hematology, Odense University Hospital

• Consultant, Thomas Lund, PhD

University College Dublin, UCD School of Biomolecular & Biomedical Science

• Associate Professor Margaret McGee, PhD